Consolidated B-24D

The Consolidated B-24D was the first Liberator model to enter large scale production--2,698 were ordered in 1940-1942. The B-24D was essentially a B-24C with improved engines and some minor production differences. The first 20 -D models built were from a block initially ordered as B-24A (40-2349 to 40-2368).

Initially, the B-24D was armed with eight .50-cal. machine guns: the A-6 tail turret, Martin top turret, and one each at the nose (some aircraft had two nose guns positions), waist (Lt. and Rt.) and tunnel positions. The tunnel gun (lower aft fuselage) was replaced by a remote-controlled Bendix belly turret but it was soon replaced by a Sperry ball turret. The single nose gun was augmented by left and right cheek mounted guns for late model B-24Ds.

The USAF Museum has B-24D-160-CO S/N 42-72843 on display in the Air Power Gallery along with some artifacts from the ill-fated "Lady Be Good."

TYPE
B-24D

Number Built/Converted
2,698

• 2,381 built by Consolidated at the San Diego, California plant.
• 305 built by Consolidated at the Fort Worth, Texas plant.
• 10 built by Douglas at the Tulsa Oklahoma plant.

SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 110 ft. 0 in.
Length: 64 ft. 4 in.
Height: 17 ft. 11 in.
Weight: 56,000 lbs. loaded
Armament: Eleven .50-cal. and 8,000 lbs. of bombs (8 or 9 .50-cal. machine guns on early models)
Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney R-1830-43 supercharged radials of 1,200 hp. each (take-off power)

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 303 mph.
Cruising speed: 200 mph.
Range: 4,600 miles (max. ferry range); 2,850 miles w/ 5,000 lbs. bomb load
Service Ceiling: 32,000 ft.